• The Aesthetica Creative Works Competition seeks entries of Artwork, Photography & Sculpture, Fiction and Poetry • Three winners will be awarded £500 each • Additional prizes include an Olympus E-420 SLR camera and a boutique holiday for two • All finalists will be published in the Aesthetica Creative Works Annual, in stores December 2009 • Entry to the 2009 Aesthetica Creative Works Competition is £10 • This allows you to submit up to 5 images, 5 poems or 2 short stories • Closing date to receive Creative Works is 31 August 2009 • Please click here for Competition FAQs • For full details please visit www.aestheticamagazine.com/submission_guide.htm

The Aesthetica Creative Works Competition is internationally recognised for identifying new artists and writers and bringing them to international attention. Previous finalists have achieved success and recognition with accolades including: writing commissions from Channel 4, selection to represent Australia in the Florence Biennale, exhibitions at DACS (London), John Martin Gallery (London), Flores Fine Art Gallery (New York), inclusion in the International Drawing Competition exhibition (Poland) and the National Geographic International Photographic exhibition. The Aesthetica Creative Works Competition represents the scope of creative activity today, and provides an opportunity for both new and established artists to nurture their reputations on an international scale.

Wednesday, 26 August 2009

One of our partners this year, Canary Wharf Film Festival, opens next week with a bang. Established in 2007 to break down the barriers between creativity and commerce by showcasing the best of UK and international filmmaking talent in one of the UK’s most iconic and well-known locations. The festival also aims to alter preconceived notions of Canary Wharf and highlighting it as London's newest creative hub; highlighting it as a filming location and tourist destination, while fostering a creative local and sustainable community.

The programme for this year has a particular focus on budding filmmakers, as well as asking the public to Shoot Canary Wharf and a new commission provides an incredibly moving and insightful look into London’s Docklands and Waterways of yesteryear. Opening on 3 September, CWFF’s programmes include Next Generation, Nearby: East End Docks and Green Sundays which all give something back to London’s East End and are totally free!

The Next Generation Programme, with support from the Canary Wharf Group, is providing aspiring filmmakers the opportunity of a life time as part of the festival’s aim to give up and coming filmmakers a helping hand to set them on their way. CWFF have been running free filmmaking workshops - in collaboration with Chocolate Films – throughout the summer for East London students interested in learning about the filmmaking process, teaching skills from storyboarding right through to the editing process, and their final cuts will be featured at the festival.

Young filmmakers will also be given the opportunity to pitch their film idea to a panel of experts for the chance to win an invaluable training course at the Central Film School. Pitchers will receive crucial tips to equip them with the tools need to successfully pitch ideas in the future. Plus local East End boy and director of the British hit Shifty, Eran Creevy, will be talking to festival goers about his experiences in the film industry, how he climbed the film ladder and what it was like working with Asher D and brands like Nike.

The Nearby: East End Docks programme will provide a look at one of the worlds most famous industrial areas of yesteryear, paying homage to an industry which laid the foundations for London’s business quarter. The programme will take place at the Museum of London Docklands and will provide a snapshot of the Docklands and Waterways that made London a super power in the trading world.

Green Sundays is another free offering from the CWFF showcasing the areas green credentials with a string of films, discussions and a cycling tour along East London’s Regents Canal. CWFF have delved into the archives to track down films, which address issues on pollution and contamination of the Thames and turning waste into animal feed in East London.

The Green Sundays Discussion will be another highlight of the festival addressing issues around the creative industries and sustainability. The discussion is one for the diary with a panel including Ben Todd (Arcola Theatre), Clement Mariotte (Bash Creations) and Sally Wilton (Lexi Cinema).

Olivia Bellas, Festival Director, says: “This year is by far one of the best programmes which we’ve had and are the most exited about since the festivals launch. Each year the programme gets better and with so much going on this year we’re going to have our work cut out in 2010."

Completing CWFF 09’s programme is the CWFF 09 Big Film Quiz, Between the Eyes, London Living, Shoot Canary Wharf, and the return of the Golden Canary Awards Show, recognising the festivals standout filmmakers in front of the industries finest.CWFF 09 runs from 3-7 September 2009, with films being shown at a wide range of locations, including Cineworld West India Quay, Museum in Docklands and the East Wintergarden.

We have always had a commitment to independent filmmakers, launching soon will be the Aesthetica Film Competition, which will support up and coming filmmakers with opportunities for screenings and prize money. Check www.aestheticamagazine.com for more details.

Arvon writing courses were established 40 years ago by the writers John Fairfax and John Moat (inner circle of poet laureate Ted Hughes), Aesthetica editor Cherie Federico has this to say, “Arvon courses are so well respected throughout the creative writing and publishing industries. Time spent with Arvon is an invaluable investment in your writing career, this prize is a fantastic opportunity for our winner to develop their talents even further.”

For anyone serious about improving their writing, an Arvon residential writing course provides four and a half days to live and work in an inspiring coutryside location. The Arvon writing houses are situated at various picturesque locations across the country, each led by two expert published writers.

A day at Arvon involves a morning workshop led by one of the resident experts, free writing time in the afternoon, with readings and social events in the evenings. This is an opportunity to meet people from all walks of life, share stories and draw inspiration from new ideas and experiences.

Finalist in the 2008/9 Aesthetica Creative Works Competition with impressive short story Sidetrack, Aesthetica favourite Hana Sklenkova told our competition manager Pauline Bache how much she valued her time with Arvon: “I attended two courses, one back in 2005 at Moniac Mhor in Scotland, and again in 2007 at Ted Hughes' centre in Hebden Bridge. I had an amazing time, both times. It was great to be somewhere where writing matters, in such beautiful surroundings, cut-off from the hassle of the outside world, and to be able to focus on my work and have the chance to share it with both the tutors and other writers who took part. Their feedback, experience and encouragement were invaluable and I learned a lot in those five days. Stimulating and definitely worth it.”

The Aesthetica Creative Works 2009/10 competition is still open for entries until 31 August. With three categories, poetry, short fiction and artwork, for a chance to win this invaluable experience, take a look at our competition page for further details on how to enter and the other fantastic prizes – including £500 for first place in each category.

I’m afraid the hard copy of the 2008/9 annual has all sold out, but if you wanted to take a look at last years winners, the digital annual is still available in our shop.

Final note - for handy writing tips and hints, check out the Arvon Blog.

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About Aesthetica

Aesthetica engages with the arts both in the UK and internationally, combining dynamic content with compelling critical debate. Aesthetica is distributed in the UK in WH Smith, major galleries such as Tate Modern, ICA, and the Serpentine, as well as in 18 countries worldwide. Aesthetica is one of the leading publications for arts and culture and the editor of Aesthetica is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. The Aesthetica Blog has a broad scope; covering the latest exhibitions and cultural events from the UK and abroad.
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